Friday, February 28, 2014

LET'S EAT: BREAKFAST QUINOA


I've always been an oatmeal for breakfast kind of girl, but after spotting recipes for breakfast quinoa I decided to give it a try. With its' slightly nutty flavor, quinoa makes for the perfect oatmeal substitute, lending itself well to various toppings. My favorite of the two topping combinations I tried was the Cinnamon Apple, although both were really good! So far I am loving the versatility of this grain, having first tried it in this vegan quinoa chili and now as a hearty breakfast cereal, I think it's safe to say it might be popping up in a few more recipes in the future.


BREAKFAST QUINOA TOPPED TWO WAYS
Serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 c. unsweetened soy milk
• 1 c. quinoa, rinsed
• 3 T. light brown sugar
• 1/8 t. ground cinnamon
• 1 T. maple syrup

CINNAMON APPLE TOPPINGS:

• 1T. apple butter
• 1/4 c. chopped apple
• 1/2 T. brown sugar

PECAN RAISIN TOPPINGS:

• 1 T. pecan pieces
• 1/4 c. raisins
• 1/2 T. brown sugar

1. Bring soy milk to a boil in a small saucepan. Add quinoa, and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered, until three-quarters of the milk has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.

2. Stir in sugar, cinnamon and maple syrup. Cook, covered, until almost all the milk has been absorbed, about 8 minutes. Serve with additional milk, sugar, cinnamon, and your favorite toppings.

Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS + ROSE. Recipe adapted from here.
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Thursday, February 27, 2014

FEELING...PAINTERLY PRINTS

Every year about this time I get a little stir crazy and start craving a little color to brighten things up. This winter has seemed particularly long, and I can only take so many overcast, bitterly cold days until I start dreaming up ways to make my escape to a warmer climate. Lately, I've been loving watercolor-inspired prints, which have me dreaming of warmer days to come and thinking of ways I can brighten up my attitude until Spring finally arrives.

Shop These Items: Ban.do Par-Lez Vous Tote // Leif Hooray Watercolor Card Set // Urban Outfitters Hello Watercolor Card // Leif Brushstroke Mug // Kindah Khalidy Handpainted Clutch // Kate Spade Giverny Floral Scarf.
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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

GUEST BLOGGER: CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA MUFFINS


When I started this blog a few years ago, I needed a creative outlet and I knew I wanted include a variety of topics ranging from food, fashion and design, but it ended there. I really wasn't sure where to begin or what types of posts to write, but through trial and error I began to figure things out and have even surprised myself along the way. One thing I never had expected was how much I would enjoy photographing food. To be honest, photography intimidated me, and sometimes it still does. I figured I would just have to 'get by' with my own photographs until I could work with a real photographer, but I actually ended up really enjoying it, which led to another surprise. I was contacted to become a contributing author to LC Living, a curated lifestyle destination featuring recipes, DIY projects and other home decor related topics. So far, it's been an exciting and fun opportunity, so I thought I'd share my latest post with you. These chocolate chip banana muffins are seriously so good that you'll never believe that they're made with no added sugar, eggs or butter. Head over to LC Living for the full post and let me know what you think!

Photography, design and styling by Jessica for LC Living.
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Friday, February 14, 2014

RANDOM ACTS OF INSPIRATION / 4


Whether you love it or love to hate it, Valentine's Day is a lot like any other holiday in that it's all about what you make of it. Personally, I rarely have plans on Valentine's Day, but I like the idea of a day dedicated to wearing your heart on your sleeve and surprising the ones you love with a box of chocolates and a little note. Ok, so maybe I just really like chocolate and any excuse to have a cocktail, but I will admit I am a hopeless romantic. Anyways, I thought I'd stop in and wish you all a happy Valentine's Day and share a few images inspiring me right now.

Image Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

LET'S EAT: PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY BLONDIES


While most people associate their favorite comfort foods with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or some other home-cooked meal, I'd have to say peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have to be one of my favorites. Although I don't typically eat them very often, every once in a while I have a craving for this lunchroom staple, which is why when I spotted this recipe in the latest issue of Bon Appetit, I knew I had to give it a try. I'll warn you now, these blondies combine the perfect balance of sweet and salty making them dangerously good. I mean seriously, peanut butter and jelly in dessert form? Does it get any better?

Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS + ROSE. Recipe found here.

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Tuesday, February 11, 2014

FEELING...TICKLED PINK

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I have found myself gravitating towards pink, red and every hue in between. Okay let's be honest, it's not just because it's February, I actually have a thing for pink year-round. But I'm guessing you already knew that right? Anyways, here are a few things that have me feeling Valentiney and may also make the perfect gift for your sweetheart.

Shop These Items: Baba Souk X&O Greeting Card / ModCloth Red Bow Flats / J.Crew Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera / H&M Mesh Thong / Ban.do Bestie Bobbi Set  /Furbish Art of the 20th Century / Rebecca Minkoff Dex Card Holder.

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Monday, February 10, 2014

DIY: ARTWORK ON A BUDGET


If there's one thing my apartment is lacking, it is definitely artwork, which may seem strange since I am a graphic designer and art is kinda my thing, but for some reason I have a hard time committing. What if I get sick of it? What if it doesn't go with my decor? Where will I hang it? Well, and let's be honest. Most of the artwork that I would love to splurge on would break the bank as well. So, while I do buy the occasional art print, I have decided it is time to take matters into my own hands and DIY my own artwork on a budget. Using materials I had on hand, I came up with the idea to use uncooked spaghetti noodles to create a textured piece of art. Although strange, using materials in an unexpected way, I was able to create a practically free piece of art, which totally fits my budget.

SUPPLIES:
• thick cardstock or watercolor paper
• uncooked spaghetti noodles
• Modpodge
• paintbrush
• gold and black paint
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors
• picture frame


1. Begin by cutting your paper so that it will fit the size of frame you have chosen for your artwork. I used a standard 5x7" frame for this project, but feel free to use whatever size you wish. Next, use a pencil and ruler to layout your design. (I used this image as inspiration.)


2. Using your drawing as a guide, fill in your artwork with spaghetti noodles and Modpodge.
 

3. Once you've completed your design, let it dry before gently applying gold paint with a stiff paintbrush. To make the texture really pop, mix up a small batch of gold paint a few shades darker than the first coat of paint. Gently apply it to your design, being sure not to overload your paintbrush with paint in order to give your artwork a 'worn' look. Lastly, find a place to display your new, and practically free, piece of artwork!

Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS + ROSE.


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Monday, February 3, 2014

LET'S EAT: CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES


A box of chocolates is nice and all, but like most things, homemade is definitely better. These truffles are easy to make and will surely impress your sweetheart, that is, if there are any left to give! I have a serious weakness for red wine and dark chocolate, so it's taken every ounce of will power I have not to eat these all in one sitting. My favorites were the ones rolled in cocoa powder, but I did try rolling a few in chopped peanuts for something different. (It would even be fun to roll a few in Valentine's Day sprinkles!) Package these up in a cute little box with a note, and you won't even have to ask your Valentine to "be mine."



Photography, design and styling by Jessica of SAS+ROSE. Recipe found here.


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